45V28 - Weldcraft 45V28 5/32-inch TIG Gas Lens Collet Body (2-Pack)

Technical Overview of the Weldcraft 45V28 Gas Lens

The Weldcraft 45V28 Gas Lens is a critical component for precision Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), specifically engineered to optimize shielding gas distribution for 5/32-inch (4.0mm) tungsten electrode setups. Unlike standard collet bodies which can produce turbulent gas flow, this gas lens utilizes a multi-layer fine mesh screen to rectify the gas stream into a coherent, laminar column. This physical transformation of the shielding gas profile significantly reduces the Reynolds number of the flow, minimizing the entrainment of atmospheric contaminants such as oxygen and nitrogen into the weld pool. This is particularly vital when welding reactive metals or high-grade alloys where porosity and oxidation are primary failure modes.

Designed for compatibility with the industry-standard 17, 18, and 26 series TIG torches (including WP-17, WP-18, and WP-26 models), the 45V28 integrates seamlessly into existing torch assemblies. The brass body construction ensures high thermal and electrical conductivity, maintaining arc stability even at the higher amperage ranges typically associated with 5/32-inch electrodes. The internal geometry is precision-machined to seat the collet firmly, ensuring optimal current transfer to the tungsten while the gas lens screen assembly distributes the argon (or helium mix) evenly across the nozzle exit diameter.

One of the primary technical advantages of deploying the 45V28 gas lens is the capability to extend the tungsten electrode significantly further beyond the nozzle cup—often up to an inch or more depending on gas flow rates and cup size—without compromising shielding integrity. This extended stick-out capability allows the welder to access deep grooves, tight fillets, and complex geometries that would otherwise be inaccessible with a standard collet body setup due to the turbulence-induced loss of shielding coverage. By stabilizing the gas column, the 45V28 also aids in cooling the tungsten electrode and the weld puddle more efficiently, potentially increasing the duty cycle of the consumable stack.

This package contains two (2) genuine Weldcraft 45V28 gas lenses, ensuring that operators have immediate replacement stock available. Maintaining a clean gas lens is essential for consistent X-ray quality welds; over time, spatter or condensation can clog the mesh screens, disrupting the laminar flow. Therefore, having a backup on hand is a standard best practice for industrial welding operations.